Mobile Phone Processor Power Management via Sensor Microcomputer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction mobile phones, such as smartphones, face challenges in effectively saving power due to high power consumption by main CPUs and the need for continuous operation of sensors without exhausting battery life.
Innovation Solution
A mobile phone design featuring an application processor that can switch between active and power-saving states, with a sensor control microcomputer communicating information to manage display changes and sensor operations, allowing the main processor to conserve power by entering a power-saving state when not in use and maintaining the sub-processor in an active state for continuous sensor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the application processor continuously operates to control display changes and store sensor information, then the responsiveness and functionality are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent processors: the application processor (AP) for high-level control and display management, and the sensor control microcomputer (SCM) for continuous sensor operation. This segmentation allows each processor to operate independently at appropriate power levels, with the SCM maintaining sensor functionality even when the AP is in low-power mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The application processor dynamically transitions between active and power-saving states based on operational requirements. The system adapts its processing power in real-time, activating the AP only when display changes or data storage are needed, rather than maintaining continuous operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the application processor enters power-saving state frequently, then the battery life is extended, but the ability to respond to sensor information and update display is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor control microcomputer continuously monitors sensors and pre-processes sensor information in the background while the AP is in power-saving mode. This preliminary action ensures that when the AP wakes up, it immediately has processed data ready for display updates, eliminating response delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor control microcomputer acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the application processor. It buffers and pre-processes sensor data, allowing the AP to remain in low-power state while still maintaining the ability to respond quickly when activation is required.
3Device complexity
If the main processor handles all sensor control and display management, then the system complexity is reduced, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functions into two independent processors with distinct responsibilities. The SCM handles sensor control and data collection, while the AP manages display updates and high-level processing. This segmentation distributes the computational burden and allows optimized power management for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor control microcomputer operates autonomously to manage sensor inputs and pre-process data without requiring constant AP intervention. This self-service capability allows the AP to enter low-power states while sensor functionality is maintained independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A main processor of mobile phone changes from power saving state to active state for changing display in response to a sub processor for sensors, the main processor returning to the power saving state after changing the display. The main processor changes from power saving state to active state for storing information from the sub processor, the main processor returning to the power saving state after the storing function. The main processor selects the stored display data on the basis of the information from the sub processor to change display. The main processor receives and stores information from the sub processor in the boot up process or before finishing the operation. The sub processor is in the active state so as to control the sensor even in a case where the main processor is in the power saving state.